New Ontario Place Design: 5,000 Jobs, Stunning Waterfront Look

Last Updated On 24 June 2025, 4:51 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

June 24, 2025 – Toronto’s waterfront is poised for a transformative revival as the Ontario government unveils the final designs for Ontario Place, a landmark project set to create 5,000 jobs and elevate the city’s global appeal.

Released today, the plans showcase a 155-acre, family-friendly destination with over 50 acres of free public spaces open 365 days a year, blending cutting-edge sustainable architecture and vibrant cultural hubs.

Designed to address decades of neglect while honouring its 1971 legacy, this redevelopment is generating widespread excitement and debate.

Here’s an in-depth look at this game-changing initiative.

Since its opening in 1971, Ontario Place has been a Toronto landmark but has struggled with aging infrastructure.

The finalized designs, shared by the Ontario government, transform the 155-acre waterfront into a world-class destination celebrating recreation, culture, and Ontario’s natural beauty.

Led by Premier Doug Ford, the project divides the site into five distinct areas: Water’s Edge, Brigantine Cove, the Forum, the Marina, and the Mainland, each enhancing public access and enjoyment.

Expansive Public Spaces: Over 50 acres of free parkland, trails, beaches, and waterfront promenades, accessible year-round.
Job Creation: 5,000 jobs in construction, tourism, and hospitality, boosting Toronto’s economy.
Sustainable Design: Shoreline protection, flood mitigation, green roofs, and soil remediation for environmental resilience.
Cultural Highlights: A 3,400-square-foot Indigenous Cultural Pavilion, public art from the Government of Ontario Art Collection, and the relocated Japanese Canadian Centennial Temple Bell.
Controversial Parking Structure: A publicly owned, above-ground parking garage for 3,500 vehicles, costing $400 million but projected to generate $60 million annually, sparking debate over its lakeside placement.

Informed by over 40,000 public consultation inputs since 2019, the final designs address critical issues like flooding, poor soil conditions, and outdated infrastructure. Each area offers unique experiences:

Water’s Edge: An extended William G. Davis Trail with new canoe and kayak launch sites, natural stone terraces, piers, and lookout points offering sunset views across Lake Ontario, plus enhanced flood protection and native plantings.
Brigantine Cove: A reimagined urban beach, boardwalks, and children’s playgrounds featuring a multi-level interactive treehouse and turtle-shaped play structures, designed to delight families.
The Forum: A new central space for outdoor markets and festivals, showcasing a one-acre splash fountain with a core shaped like the iconic trillium flower, symbolizing provincial pride.
The Marina: A vibrant hub with open-air pavilions, boardwalks, waterside cafés, boating facilities, and spaces for future programming and amenities, fostering year-round activity.
The Mainland: A new entrance serving as a gathering and transit hub, connecting visitors to the Line’s Exhibition Station, lakeside walking and cycle paths, and onsite parking with pedestrian-friendly bridges.

The up to 3,400-square-foot Indigenous Cultural Pavilion on the East Island is a cultural cornerstone, offering a dedicated space for community gatherings, workshops, and educational programs inspired by Indigenous storytelling, alongside a family-friendly beach.

Additional features include free public access to the Budweiser Stage lawn for select performances, a restored Trillium Park gate, and public art installations, ensuring inclusivity and cultural richness.

Iconic elements like the Cinesphere and pods are retained, integrated with the new Science Centre and Live Nation’s year-round amphitheatre.

A cornerstone of the project, the creation of 5,000 jobs across construction, tourism, and hospitality is a major draw.

Premier Doug Ford emphasized that these jobs will support workers amid economic uncertainties, such as potential tariffs, while boosting the provincial tourism industry for decades.

The above-ground parking structure, located along Lake Ontario, has sparked heated debate.

Critics argue its $400 million cost and lakeside placement mar the waterfront’s beauty, while supporters, including Ford, highlight its convenience and $60 million annual revenue potential.

Many on social media platforms reflect this divide, with some praising its practicality and others decrying its aesthetics.

This controversy fuels engagement, making the story highly clickable.

Beyond jobs, the Place is projected to attract up to six million visitors annually, cementing its status as a global cultural and recreational hub.

Incorporating public feedback from consultations, the project ensures free, year-round access and enhanced green spaces, addressing accessibility and environmental concerns.

For Torontonians, it fosters civic pride, while tourists gain a world-class destination.

Whether you’re a Toronto resident eyeing job opportunities, a tourist planning a visit, or passionate about urban redevelopment, Ontario Place’s transformation has broad appeal.

Stunning visuals, economic promise, and the parking debate make this a must-share story.

Construction is slated to begin as early as spring 2026, with ongoing community consultations to refine the project.

The government pledges transparency, with updates on the official Ontario Place website.

While no opening timeline is confirmed, the project’s progress will be closely watched.

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.